How do I learn to better pose people and use environment?

[form]

I can think of a dozen ideas when sitting around, but when I see the bride and groom I either blank completely or just don't feel that most of the ideas I had in mind will suit the personalities I'm dealing with. I often don't see how to properly use the environment either; I feel blind to the obvious. How do I get better at this?

Also, how can I become more creative with posing people? I would like to provide more "artistic" and interesting shots for my clients, and I feel that's one of the greatest weak points I have right now. I'm not a technical master by any means, but posing is one of my worst spots and I know I need to improve it.

[Tumeg]

EXACT situation I am in....
Just posting to keep track of this post to see the answers...

[form]

I'm technically minded but not creative. Sometimes by following the rules I know, I get lucky and get a good shot, but I don't have very good posing ability or natural vision to see the beauty in a scene or image. I need those things.

I'd subscribe to DWF forums if they didn't charge for it, but of course the cost is designed to keep riffraff like me out anyway.

[AdrianeCale]

I like to meet with the couple at the ceremony location a month to two weeks before the ceremony if I haven't already worked that spot before. There I can get a feel for what they want to utilize in the space.

There is a small garden that a lot of my couples have gotten married at, and there is a statue of a Asian (not sure if it's Japanese or Chinese) Dog/Dragon (I have no idea, but I think it's a Foo Dog). I never once thought of posing people next to it, but my last bride said that statue was her reason for picking that spot, so we did quite a few portraits of her with it.

http://www.through-the-looking-glass-photography.com/images/BravardBridalPortraits011.JPG

When it comes to working a church, I will find some other spots in the sanctuary besides the altar to do some portraits. Stained glass is my favorite. And I may just be redoing the same poses I was pulling out at the altar, but a different background makes a completely different image. I'll go to the rehearsal just to have some time to walk around and check things out. And pay attention to what they're doing when you're busy posing someone else or looking for that lost groomsman, they might do something really cute that would be worth recreating.

And take a look at the area around the reception site too. This shot is of the same bride with her man, but at a spot about a block from the reception.

http://www.through-the-looking-glass-photography.com/images/Enhancement011.jpg

If you haven't already, take a look at Toogy's work. He's so freaking great at utilizing the environment.

[cdifoto]

Bring the love they share with one another to your viewfinder. When you're shooting individuals, pretend you're her husband when you shoot her...make her look gorgeous. When you're shooting him, pretend you're gay...make him look handsome.

[form]

Many of the B&G I've seen have what I would consider quasi-love in their faces. I got more out of a couple doing a 10th anniversary than I have with some weddings simply because the couple really showed genuine affection and love for each other - and because the husband was a character.

[Mike]

Have you seen this thread - http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=361101

It's the "Toogy" style of posing groups and there's some ace group shots which are good for ideas.

But I know what you mean about drawing blanks. I think it also depends on the couple and how adventurous they are for how much you can do with them.

[Teachflute]

Keep an inspiration folder. When you see a shot that you think is "wow", bookmark it! Before an event, look at the folder for ideas.

Change levels or angles. If you don't feel inspired, bend down low and take a shot or get up on a chair or a balcony. By changing levels, you see things that you might not see from eyelevel.

Look at photography book that is about something else other than weddings. Look at paintings, sculptures and other art forms for ideas.

[wroberts]

two things... well really 3 things that would work. First, look at other photographers sites and use some of those poses, but pick about 4 to 5 that will be your basic go to poses to start off with. You will want to memorize them. Second, there is posing flip card that was made called the "Lookbook" (http://www.photographerstoolkit.com/). This thing would come in great use. Third, when I first started, put a lot of the poses I liked on my Ipod and use it as a reference when my mind went blank. Worked great because it saved space and spurned new ideas. If you use the first and memorize and use one of the other ideas, you'll be in great business.

[Visual Bride]

It's something I have been consciously working on. The inspiration or look book is something I do. Print it and keep it in your bag. I also keep a few notes and photo rules in my bag. I look at them when I get a moment.

I try and introduce one new pose each wedding. Also get to a location a little early and look around and visualise different shots.

You are unfortunate if you are not in anyway creative. It's good that you realise that, now you can work on it.

[tim]

Look at many photos. Consider the "lookbook", it's ok and can be useful at times. Check my faq thread for my book thread, grab the portrait book in there.

[form]

I've been thinking about using those suggestions I've read, like that "lookbook" and magazines/books that contain some interesting poses and ideas.

[cdifoto]

Have the bride give you some samples and/or suggestions of what she'd like. Trust me, they always have lots of their own ideas.

[thekid24]

as for having ideas and then forgetting them, I found it easier for me, and the model to sketch out the poses.

I would show them, so they can get the idea a lot faster and easier, and take the shots.
I found it not only helped them understand but put them at ease, there was no pressure on them to figure out what I was saying, it was literally drawn out for them.

Here is one of my last photoshoots I did a few months ago.
Take a look at post #39 and youll see my examples.

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=519739

Hope it helps

[form]

There were three brides so far that provided me with photo samples and they were very helpful for ideas.

I sketched out the poses from one of those brides in a little flip book, then went to it for each of the posed shots she wanted; it helped in that situation. However, I'm no good artist and inventing and drawing a pose doesn't come easily for me either. Maybe if the bride is artistic...